Intercity bus fares rise sharply in North Macedonia, some monthly passes reach 8,000 denars

Intercity bus fares in North Macedonia have risen sharply, forcing many commuters to dedicate as much as one quarter of the minimum wage to a monthly pass. Operators increased ticket prices by up to 30 percent across numerous routes.

Among the clear examples, the monthly pass for the Tetovo–Skopje corridor jumped from 5,000 to 6,500 denars. Travelers on the Gostivar–Skopje route now face monthly costs of 8,000 denars. Similar hikes were reported for almost all intercity connections inside the country.

Students and frequent passengers most affected

Student commuters from smaller towns said they are the hardest hit by the change. Despite calls for relief, the Ministry of Education and Science has so far said it does not plan to introduce free or subsidized transport for students in response to the price increases.

A group of citizens and regular travelers responded by launching a petition titled "For fair intercity transport prices" after the monthly fares were raised effective September 1. The initiative claims that passengers were not properly informed about the new rates, the date they take effect, or the reasons behind the increases.

The petition asks authorities to explain which economic indicators were used to set the new fares and which body monitors their fairness. Organizers demand transparent justification and oversight so that the price-setting process can be reviewed.

Photo: press material from the event